Mastering Boiled Peanuts With A Turkey Fryer

Boiled peanuts are a traditional Southern snack, often sold at roadside stands and gas stations. They are made by boiling raw peanuts in salted water for several hours, and can be seasoned with ingredients like Old Bay, smoked paprika, shrimp boil mix, or star anise. The cooking time varies depending on the desired texture, with softer peanuts requiring a longer boil. Boiled peanuts can be made in a variety of vessels, including a stock pot, slow cooker, pressure cooker, or turkey fryer. When using a turkey fryer, a large batch of boiled peanuts can be made at once.

How to prepare the peanuts for boiling

Preparing the peanuts for boiling is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to ensure optimal results. Here is a detailed guide:

Firstly, it is important to select the right type of peanuts. You can use either green peanuts, which are fresh and immature, or dried raw peanuts. Green peanuts will have a higher moisture content and will require a shorter boiling time, typically between one and four hours. Dried raw peanuts, on the other hand, have been dried to a lower moisture content and will need to be cooked for a longer period, which could range from several hours to up to 24 hours.

Before boiling, it is essential to clean the raw peanuts thoroughly. Rinse them multiple times in water to remove any dirt, debris, or twigs. This step ensures that your boiled peanuts are free from any unwanted particles.

Once your peanuts are clean, you can begin the soaking process. Soaking the peanuts in salted water is an optional step but can help reduce the cooking time and enhance the flavour. If you decide to soak your peanuts, fill a container with water, add salt, and fully submerge the peanuts. Let them soak for several hours, or even overnight, depending on your preference.

After soaking, drain the peanuts and prepare your cooking equipment. You can use a large stockpot on a stove, a slow cooker, or even a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. If using a stockpot, fill it with water and add a generous amount of salt, following the general guideline of about eight tablespoons of salt per gallon of water. Bring the water to a boil.

Now it's time to add the peanuts. Place them in the pot and ensure they are fully submerged, adding more water if necessary. Bring the water back to a boil and then reduce the heat to maintain a low boil or simmer. This is when the magic happens—the boiling time will vary depending on the type of peanuts and your desired level of softness. For green peanuts, boil for at least one hour up to four hours. For dried raw peanuts, the cooking time can be significantly longer, so be prepared to let them boil for several hours or even up to a full day. Remember to keep an eye on the water level and add more water as needed to ensure the peanuts remain submerged.

During the boiling process, it is a good idea to stir the peanuts occasionally to prevent them from sticking or floating. You can also taste the peanuts periodically to check their texture and saltiness. This will help you determine when they have reached your desired level of doneness.

Once the peanuts have boiled for the appropriate amount of time, turn off the heat and let them soak in the cooling brine for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the salty brine to fully infuse into the peanuts, giving them that signature salty flavour.

And that's it! You've now successfully prepared your peanuts for boiling and are well on your way to enjoying delicious, flavourful boiled peanuts.

The best type of salt to use

The type of salt you use in your boiled peanut recipe can make a big difference in achieving that authentic Southern taste. While most recipes call for kosher salt, the consensus is that you should use whatever type of salt you have available, whether it be sea salt, table salt, or kosher salt. The key is to ensure that the water is adequately salted to impart that distinct flavour. If you're unsure, it's better to start with less salt and gradually add more to taste.

If you're after that county fair/flea market taste, don't be afraid to really salt the water. As a general rule, you'll need about 1/4 cup of kosher salt per pound of peanuts, but this can vary depending on your personal preference. If you're using table salt, keep in mind that it has a higher sodium content than sea salt, so you'll need to use less.

Letting the peanuts sit in the salted water after cooking will also enhance the saltiness, so don't be too quick to drain them. The longer they sit, the saltier they'll become. If you find that your peanuts are too salty, simply remove some of the water and replace it with an equal volume of fresh water.

Some people also recommend adding a pinch of sugar to the brine to balance out the saltiness. This can be adjusted to taste, but a good starting point is 1/3 cup of sugar for every pound of peanuts.

So, while the type of salt you use is important, it's ultimately the amount of salt and the duration of soaking that will determine the saltiness of your boiled peanuts. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect balance for your taste buds!

How long to boil the peanuts for

The length of time you should boil your peanuts for depends on a few factors, including the type of peanut, your personal preference for texture, and how salty you want them to be.

If you are using a turkey fryer, you can boil a large batch of peanuts at once. A standard-sized turkey pot will fit around 7-8 pounds of peanuts. A larger pot can fit up to 200 or 250 quarts.

The maturity, size, and moisture content of the raw peanuts will determine how long they need to be boiled. Green peanuts, which are small, immature, and full of moisture, should be boiled for at least one hour and up to four hours. Dried raw peanuts, on the other hand, may require up to 24 hours of boiling to soften. If you are using a pressure cooker, this will reduce the boiling time by several hours.

It is important to taste the peanuts periodically as they boil to determine when they have reached your desired level of softness. Some people prefer their boiled peanuts to be as soft as mashed potatoes, while others like them with a little snap. The longer the peanuts are boiled and allowed to sit in the salty water, the saltier they will become.

If you are making boiled peanuts for the first time, it is recommended to start with a small batch and adjust the cooking time and saltiness to your liking.

How to add flavour to the peanuts

There are many ways to add flavour to boiled peanuts. Firstly, it is important to note that the longer the peanuts sit in the salty water, the better. This is a crucial step in the process of infusing the brine's flavour. While the peanuts are boiling, you can add your desired seasonings to the water. Some traditional seasonings include shrimp boil seasoning, smoked paprika, Old Bay, and even star anise. You can also add a jalapeno pepper for a spicy kick. If you want to experiment with different flavours, feel free to add your favourite seasonings or spices. For example, you can try Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, barbecue seasoning, or even a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.

If you are using a pressure cooker, the time to add the flavour is after adding the salt. Sea salt gives the nicest flavour for boiled peanuts. Applewood Smoked Sea Salt is also a great option, but use a small amount as it is potent.

Additionally, you can soak the raw peanuts in salted water for several hours before boiling them. This will not only reduce the cooking time but also allow the peanuts to absorb more flavour.

How to store boiled peanuts

Boiled peanuts are a traditional Southern snack, often cooked in huge vats and sold at roadside stands. They can be stored and enjoyed in several ways.

Storing in the brine

Leaving the boiled peanuts in the brine they were cooked in will increase their wetness and flavour. They can be stored in the brine in the refrigerator for about 7 to 10 days.

Storing in a container or bag

Boiled peanuts can be drained and stored in airtight containers or zipper-type freezer bags. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Frozen boiled peanuts will last for several months.

Reheating

If you want to reheat boiled peanuts, place them in your cooker and cover them with water. Set the cook time for 3 minutes, or 10 minutes if you would like them softer.

Frequently asked questions